Wise Speach

Recap

We studied 5 key speaking points found in Col 4:2-6.

Speak in prayer - intentional communication with the God of the universe

Speak in thanksgiving - to God for what He has done, what he is doing, and what He will do, but most importantly for who He is

Speak with proclamation - declare the God’s word when given publically, for the benefit of those who hear for the Glory of God

Speak in action - speak in your actions, the things confessed by your words

Speak in graciousness (charis - mercy) and seasoned with salt - 2 purposes during Paul’s era; Preserving Food pre refrigeration and Cleaning wounds for the prevention of infections (painful to receive, but prevented the growth of harmful bacteria or disease that could end in infection, amputation, or if untreated death)

Background

The book of John written by the same name between 80-90 AD, is unique from the other synoptic gospels in that, while the other three focus on the works and words, John focuses on the ministry and testimony of Christ; additionally it is 90% original text. The book is subdivided into 5 parts, we’ll dive into part three, also known as the “I Am” section where John zeros in on 7 occurences that Christ uses this statement:

the bread of life (6:35), the light of the world (8:12), the door (10:7), the good shepherd (10:11, 14), the resurrection and the life (11:25), the way the truth and the life (14:6) and the true vine (15:1)

Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

When they heard these words…

John 7:38–39 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

John 7:40–45 “When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

the passage captures a moment of division among the crowd and the authorities concerning Jesus’ identity. Some in the crowd believe Jesus is "the Prophet" or "the Messiah" they’ve been expecting, while others doubt, noting that the Messiah is supposed to come from Bethlehem and not Galilee.

So why did you not…

John 7:45–51 “The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?”

The temple guards, impressed by Jesus’ teachings, return to the leading priests and Pharisees empty-handed, explaining that no one ever spoke like Jesus does. The Pharisees dismiss the guards’ admiration and express their disdain for the crowd, whom they consider ignorant of the law and accursed.

Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus at night (John 3:1-21), speaks up with a cautious defense. He questions whether their law condemns a man without first giving him a hearing to understand what he is doing. This challenge to their procedure is met with scorn as they mockingly ask Nicodemus if he is also from Galilee, implying that nothing good can come from there, and dismissing the possibility of a prophet from Galilee.

How to speak

An important part of wisdom is knowing how to speak, not merely what to say. (my mom would always tell me to watch my tone, in other words it’s not always what you say, but how you say it). Careful choice of words impacts how well those words are received Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” A wise person not only speaks truth, but they also make their speech judicious - or merciful. This phrase can also be translated as “instructs his mouth”, which after what we read in James is not always easy to do.

So Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice.

Ellen Gould White